TUNNELLING GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER


Company:	Search Consultancy LTD
Salary:	Not specified
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Exeter, EX1 1AA
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	21 Oct 2026
Closing date:	20 Nov 2026

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Summary

TUNNELLING GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER REQUIRED - EXETER

Location: Exeter, Devon

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Sector: Tunnelling | Geotechnical Engineering | Energy Infrastructure

Engagement: Contract / Consultancy Basis

MUST BE LOCATED IN THE REGION

We are seeking an

experienced Tunnelling Geotechnical Engineer to provide specialist technical advice, guidance and geotechnical expertise on a significant energy infrastructure project in Exeter.

This is an opportunity for an experienced professional to play an important advisory role during the planning, feasibility and contractor selection stages of a technically challenging underground engineering scheme.

THE PROJECT

The project involves evaluating several potential underground construction methods, including:

Thrust bore tunnelling - approximately 750m

Minimum 1,500mm internal tunnel diameter

HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling)

HDD crossings beneath watercourses

Deep shaft construction - up to 14m

Cofferdams, excavation support and temporary works

Underground district heating infrastructure

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THE ROLE

The successful consultant will be expected to:

✅ Review available ground investigation reports, geological information and geotechnical data.

✅ Assess ground conditions, groundwater risks and their implications for tunnelling and shaft construction.

✅ Provide independent technical advice on proposed tunnelling and trenchless construction methodologies.

✅ Review contractor scopes of work, technical submissions and budgetary quotations.

✅ Identify potential geotechnical risks, omissions and assumptions that could result in additional costs or programme delays.

✅ Advise on shaft stability, excavation support, groundwater control and ground treatment requirements.

✅ Provide practical recommendations to support contractor selection and project delivery.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are particularly interested in speaking with engineers who have:

Extensive geotechnical experience within tunnelling and underground construction.

Knowledge of microtunnelling, pipe jacking, thrust boring and/or HDD.

Experience with deep shafts, temporary works and complex ground conditions.

Previous involvement in major infrastructure, utilities, water or energy projects.

Experience providing technical assurance, reviewing contractor proposals or working in an independent consultancy capacity.

The ability to identify engineering risks and provide commercially practical recommendations.

Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or relevant professional accreditation would be advantageous.

THIS IS A TECHNICAL ADVISORY OPPORTUNITY

We are not looking for a traditional site-based engineer. We are looking for an experienced specialist who can bring genuine technical knowledge, sound engineering judgement and practical tunnelling experience to the project.

INTERESTED?

If you are an experienced Tunnelling Geotechnical Engineer, Principal Geotechnical Engineer or Independent Engineering Consultant, I would welcome a confidential discussion.

07584 110 160

Andrew.williams@search.co.uk

Alternatively, send me a direct message to discuss the opportunity.

Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age

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